question_answer

  Look carefully at the painting and identify the objects which are political symbols you saw in your text book Box 1 (broken chain, red cap, fasces, Charter of the Declaration of Rights). The pyramid stands for equality, often represented by a triangle. Use the symbols to interpret the painting. Describe your impressions of the female figure of liberty.                  This is one of the rare paintings by a woman artist. The revolutionary events made it possible for women to train with established painters and to exhibit their works in the Salon, which was an exhibition held every two years. The painting is a female allegory of liberty?that is, the female form symbolises the idea of freedom.

Answer:

                  The scroll in the right hand of the woman symbolises the Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen. The pyramid in the background stands for equality, as all the three sides of a pyramid are equal. The left hand holding aloft the red cap symbolises the torch of freedom. The female figure of liberty symbolises the equality of women and men.